Duck Pond Spring Promenade offers glimpse of city's past

Thursday

Mar 9, 2017 at 7:24 PMMar 10, 2017 at 10:48 AM

Stretching eight blocks just east of Main Street, the Duck Pond neighborhood is one of the oldest in Gainesville. According to Joan Gowan, owner of the oldest house on the tour, it’s been called home by numerous professors, politicians and dignitaries throughout the years.

By Alejandro López Correspondent

Come Saturday, five Duck Pond residents will welcome the public into their homes as part of the community’s Spring Promenade.

Built from 1881 to 1949, the historic homes will be available for touring from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those attending can expect to take a trip through time.

Stretching eight blocks just east of Main Street, the Duck Pond neighborhood is one of the oldest in Gainesville. According to Joan Gowan, owner of the oldest house on the tour, it’s been called home by numerous professors, politicians and dignitaries throughout the years.

“A lot of people have never been in a really old house,” she said, “and yet these houses and this neighborhood are a big part of Gainesville history.”

The event doesn’t just look to the past. It also hopes to ensure the future of one of the district’s most influential buildings.

All proceeds — tickets to the event cost $20 — will be donated to the Thomas Center, a multi-use cultural hub that houses art galleries, historical exhibits, outdoor gardens and more.

“It’s a really beautiful building,” said Michelle Hazen, whose Dawn Realty is one of the sponsors. “It’s just a really special place in Gainesville.”

Recently renovated for the first time since the mid-1970s, the structure will also be open for viewing during two tours — one at 10:30 am, another at 1:30 pm.

But despite the recent upgrades, money is hard to come by.

“There’s not much grant money out there anymore,” Gowan said.

In addition to its city funding, Gowan said the Thomas Center relies heavily on fundraisers and member dues. And by tapping into the Duck Pond neighborhood's rich history, residents hope to continue their mission of revitalizing the neighborhood.

“These are stories of our past,” Hazen said, “... to look forward to where we’re going, I think it’s really important to look where we came from.”

Editor's note: This story has been changed online to mention city government's role in funding the Thomas Center.